Production Designer vs. Art Director

A production designer is a person who focuses on the overall visual representation of the story and works closely with the director, while an art director works more closely with the crew and support staff to ensure that tasks are carried out to turn the production designer's vision into reality.

A production designer is a high level team member on a film, TV, or theater production. They work alongside a director in achieving the director's vision for the overall look of a production. This includes many things, such as sets, natural environments, costumes, vehicles and props.

An art director is also a high level team member on a film, TV, or theater production. They work under the production designer in achieving their and the director's vision for the visual representation of the piece. They are in charge of the art department and manage other positions, such as prop handlers, set decorators, and production assistants.

Here are the key differences between a production designer and an art director:

• A production designer works closely with the director of a film, TV show, or theather piece in obtaining their vision of the look of the piece, in terms of sets, natural environments, and props

• An art director works under a production designer and is in charge of the art department team

• Production designers are involved with the visual conception of certain aspects of a film, TV, or theater production

• An art director is tasked with carrying out the production designer and directors vision

• Production designers have higher salaries than art directors